Raising a toast to Wetaskiwin Toastmasters

Toastmasters District 99 director Glenn Walker and Wetaskiwin Toastmasters president Carolyn Reilly unveil the banner the club will be borrowing to promote Toastmasters until they receive their official banner, which was not ready at the time of the Charter evening Dec. 4.Christina Max / Wetaskiwin Times

Wetaskiwin’s Toastmasters raised a glass to themselves Dec. 3 to mark the official chartering of the club.

“I’m very glad to see so many people here — especially from out of our area,” said Wetaskiwin Toastmasters president Carolyn Reilly.

In order to charter, the local Toastmasters needed to find 20 committee members and after much hard work, they were able to achieve that goal and received their charter at the end of October. Last week, they celebrated.

“It’s a big thing that you’ve chartered and can begin adding regular members,” said member Max Reilly, who toasted the evening.

“Being a charter member is special,” said District 99 director Glenn Walker. “It’s a special distinction you will carry with you from now until the end of time.”

Since signing its 20 charter members, the Wetaskiwin Club has added a regular member and are looking to keep increasing its numbers.

“Every small, developing group needs strong, focussed leaders and Wetaskiwin Toastmaters has had that leader,” said Max Reilly.

Wetaskiwin Toastmasters credits founding member Joan Petruk with maintaining her focus and dedication to re-establish a Toasmasters club in Wetaskiwin.

“We are so appreciative of Joan’s consistency and willingness to come out every night,” said Carolyn Reilly.

“All of us worked hard to get this going,” said Petruk. “People were driving to Edmonton from here and when the roads are bad, that’s not fun. I’m extremely proud of all the members.”

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development with more than 357,000 memberships. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 16,600 clubs in 143 countries that make up Toastmasters International’s global network.

Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam was at the Charter Night event to congratulate the club and said he’s noticed the increased confidence in City employees who’ve been connected to Toastmasters.

“I’ve noticed with staff that have worked with Toastmasters a building confidence,” he said. “I want to thank all of you for being a support for our City.”

“It’s always exciting when a new club charters,” said Walker. “I think this is an excellent thing for this community because a Toastmasters Club can do a lot for individuals and the community.”

Anyone interested in joining, can call 780-672-8361. The club meets Monday nights in the Immanuel Anglican Church basement at 5105 – 46 Ave. in Wetaskiwin.